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THE most boring press conference I have seen in years. And, um, myspace TV is supposedly exciting? Yeah right. We want to plop ourselves in front of the screen and turn off not start typing on keyboards and talking to friends. We can already do that on our iphones/iPads/iTouch's if we want.

Even Justin Timberlake is giving a lame boring monolog and reading from a teleprompter...

There is no difference in HDMI cables. If you can see the picture without visible dropouts or sparklies, the cable is working at 100%. No other cable will display a better version of that picture. You're simply wrong if you think there is a better digital cable than one that is already working. (Oh, and plasma didn't die because of logistics problems, nor does OLED ship in big boxes because it comes from Korea.)

There is no difference in HDMI cables. If you can see the picture without visible dropouts or sparklies, the cable is working at 100%. No other cable will display a better version of that picture. You're simply wrong if you think there is a better digital cable than one that is already working. (Oh, and plasma didn't die because of logistics problems, nor does OLED ship in big boxes because it comes from Korea.)

The six VIERA Plasma series, VT50, GT50, ST50, UT50, XT50, U50, feature self illuminating panels with ultimate black levels, NeoPlasma technologies(VT/GT/ST) providing a black filter with a higher efficiency panel that generates the best balance of black and white under brighter environments. The new Louver filter and new high performance panel result in improved external light shading, improved clarity and improved light transmittance. The 2012 models employ the NeoPlasma Black 2500 (VT/GT/ST/UT), a 6,220,800 pixel cells FULL local dimming, 24,576 steps of gradation technology (VT/GT) (previously only available in professional monitors), a new custom driver LSI and a fast switching phosphor panel on all of Panasonic's 1080p 3D models.

Panasonic also continues its relationship with THX with six Full HD 3D Plasma HDTVs, certified in both 2D and 3D mode by the prestigious company founded by George Lucas. THX certification indicates to the consumer that the picture quality has been certified to meet the stringent standards of Hollywood's top film makers.

VT50 Series

The VT50 series is the FULL HD 3D Plasma flagship series and is available in two screen sizes- the TC-P65VT50, 65-inch class (64.7 inches measured diagonally) and the TC-P55VT50, 55-inch class (55.1 inches measured diagonally). These two top of the line TVs offers a revolutionary level of picture quality. FULL HD 3D; 1080p FULL HD resolution; Infinite Black Ultra Panel, Deep Black hues are achieved thanks to new and advanced pre-discharge technology; VIERA Connect with Web browser, and built-in Wi-Fi; 2500 FFD (Focused Field Drive); Fast Switching Phosphors; 2D → 3D conversion; 24,576 steps of gradation technology ;THX in both 2D and 3D modes; ISFccc Calibration Mode with Advanced Calibration. Calibrators adjust the detailed picture setting with the calibration software(CALMAN )provided by SpectraCal Inc.

Social Networking TV function to allow users to access social network sites while simultaneously watching TV; Multitasking feature to switch between apps ; 3D Real Sound with 8-Train Speakers; a new Louver Filter; a VIERA Touch Pad Controller; Bluetooth; DLNA; VIERA Link, a technology that utilizes HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) and allows a consumer to operate all VIERA Link compatible A/V components using only the TV's remote control; Media Player, allows one to view digital photos and HD video recorded on a SD Memory Card and USB Memory Stick; four HDMI connections and three USB ports. The VT50 series continues the design evolution as seen in last year's VT30 series with a stunning one sheet of glass design. The Flat and lustrous, this single pane of glass is totally obstruction-free. It expresses a minimalist sense of beauty by stripping away all unnecessary elements with a newly designed gradation metal pedestal.

The XT50 series provides the consumer with an affordable 3D solution with Online Movies feature, a service that provides select Panasonic's IPTV functionality by adding five of the most popular movies to the TV's internet functionality. The TC-P42XT50, 42 inch class (41.6 inches measured diagonally) and the TC-P50XT50, 50 inch class (49.9 inches measured diagonally) produce 720p resolution and features Online Movies, a service that provides select Panasonic's IPTV functionality by adding five of the most popular movies to the TV's internet functionality; 2D → 3D conversion; 600Hz Sub-field Drive; Bluetooth; Media Player; DLNA; VIERA Link; two HDMI and two USB connections.

Panasonic first introduced its concept of connected HDTVs five years ago and in 2012 VIERA Connect1, Panasonic's proprietary IPTV platform, continues to improve its functionality by employing a cloud based technology and philosophy, allowing for an unlimited number of apps being available to the consumer. VIERA Connect provides access to apps in such categories as video and music, social networking, games, news and lifestyle, sports, health and fitness and kids education adhering to the philosophy that the consumer should be able to personalize the internet experience, VIERA Connect features a market site, where the consumer can select specific apps or accessories from a limitless selection.

Popular sites, including Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, YouTube, Pandora®, Twitter, Facebook, Bloomberg News, AP, Wall Street Journal, Accuweather® , Skype, Wealth TV, CinemaNow, Hulu Plus, sports sites Fox Sports, MLB, NBA, NHL and MLS2 ,BodyMedia and Withings continue on VIERA Connect and are joined by a host of exciting features and apps, all optimized for the best possible user experience. On November 1, 2011, Panasonic introduced an app, Social Networking TV that allows one to access social network sites such as Twitter and Facebook, while simultaneously enjoying programming on their VIERA HDTV. At the same time, Panasonic also announced the addition of a new gaming application from PlayJam and a movie/video channel dedicated to Bollywood, called BigFlix. BigFlix will allow users to access Bollywood Video on Demand, while PlayJam is a game channel with multiple game apps.

With ease of use as a major focus, VIERA Connect's interface implements quick keyword input (like a cell phone) to help retrieve favorite content faster and easier. An optional Skype Communication camera (TY-CC20W) allows the consumer to communicate with friends and family via a large TV, rather than on a small computer or smart phone screen. There is also an app that allows one to use their iPhone/iPad as a remote.

Panasonic HDTVs also employ VIERA Link - a technology that utilizes HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) and allows a consumer to operate all VIERA Link compatible A/V components using only the TV's remote control and helpful on-screen menus. In addition to operating a VIERA HDTV, video source (Blu-ray Disc and DVD player) and home theater receiver, A VIERA Link capable Network Camera can be connected to a VIERA HDTV and controlled via VIERA remote. Users can then watch their child, pet and/or property by installing the camera and networking to the VIERA HDTV via Ethernet cable

The pics of the new VT pretty much show the exact same tv that's out now with a slightly thinner bezel. The specs look almost identical too with the addition of a Viera cloud service, and built in wifi but that seriously will not make a difference. 65 inch once again looks like the biggest size too. So much for people waiting out the 30 for the leaps and bounds improved 50. The one thing I must say is the 50 looks really nice aesthetically speaking. And the other thing is I'm very happy I bought a 30 for a good deal black Friday week, and didnt wait it out, because when this tv comes out in 4-5 months, It'll be $1,300 more for a slightly thinner bezel. What a Let down this is.

Yes they definitely look slightly better but there was no major spec improvement which I pretty much figured. Considering they used a brand new panel technology in the 2011 models. Panasonic isn't in a rush to change that.

They list 24,576 steps of gradation on the VT and GT series, but no mention of how many steps on the ST series. Does anyone know?

Should be the same, it's the same panel.

There is no difference in HDMI cables. If you can see the picture without visible dropouts or sparklies, the cable is working at 100%. No other cable will display a better version of that picture. You're simply wrong if you think there is a better digital cable than one that is already working. (Oh, and plasma didn't die because of logistics problems, nor does OLED ship in big boxes because it comes from Korea.)